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Penny Johnson Jerald Leaves 'Castle' "Surprised and Saddened"

Courtesy Disney ABC

Jerald played Captain Victoria Gates.

Penny Johnson Jerald is departing Castle.

The ABC actress shared her disappointment Friday via Twitter: "To my Castle fans around the world, as of late yesterday I am surprised and saddened to learn that I will no longer be a part of the Castle family," she wrote. "Thank you all for your support and love. Hugs from PJJ."

Jerald played Captain Victoria Gates, the newest member of the 12th precinct that took over after Roy Montgomery's death. She signed on to the ABC series in 2011 after scoring minor guest roles on Bones and NCIS. From 2001-2004, Jerald appeared on 24 as Sherry Palmer.

The series was renewed with new showrunners after signing leads Nathan Fillion and Stana Katic to new contracts for what at the time was rumored to be a 13-episode shortened final season, though ABC denied that the end is near for the veteran procedural.

The character has never had a real story line for the length of the show and is likely easily replaced.

To my Castle fans around the world, as of late yesterday I am surprised and saddened to learn that I will no (cont) http://t.co/ShjcoiU61Z